Rivendell_librarian
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- Aug 19, 2018
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After the rather formal Council of Elrond, the meeting of the hobbit sub-committee in Bilbo's (as senior hobbit) room is a much more informal open affair. Merry and Pippin immediately air their grievance over Sam's perceived preferential treatment for being chosen to accompany Frodo on the simple safe task of destroying the Ring in Mt Doom. (No not even Pippin thinks that!). In fact Pippin voices what is one of the most important themes of the book: "we hobbits ought to stick together".
Gandalf (doing his own eavesdropping) tells the hobbits that the members of the expedition have not been chosen beyond Frodo and Sam, and there will be delay until the return of the elvish scouts that had already been sent out. It was two months and late December before the party sets out. Elrond decides there will be nine to match the number of the Nine Riders with all the Free Peoples represented (Elves, Dwarves, Men, Hobbits) plus Gandalf. Gandalf speaks up for Merry and Pippin being included though Elrond had thought of sending them back to the Shire to warn of the coming dangers and is very reluctant about Pippin.
Narsil was reforged and renamed Anduril (Flame of the West). Bilbo gives Frodo Sting and the mithril shirt. Then Bilbo sings a sad song to himself about aging and death. The rejuvenated pony Bill is their pack animal. Aragorn bows his head in apparent prayer before setting off (no goodbye kiss with Arwen).
The crebain birds are scouting for them. Frodo senses a mysterious shadow pass over the stars (they are travelling by night). They attempt the pass of Caradhras but are beaten back by cold and snow, and possibly by dark forces. Mighty Caradhras had defeated them. Another brilliant Alan Lee illustration.
Gandalf (doing his own eavesdropping) tells the hobbits that the members of the expedition have not been chosen beyond Frodo and Sam, and there will be delay until the return of the elvish scouts that had already been sent out. It was two months and late December before the party sets out. Elrond decides there will be nine to match the number of the Nine Riders with all the Free Peoples represented (Elves, Dwarves, Men, Hobbits) plus Gandalf. Gandalf speaks up for Merry and Pippin being included though Elrond had thought of sending them back to the Shire to warn of the coming dangers and is very reluctant about Pippin.
Narsil was reforged and renamed Anduril (Flame of the West). Bilbo gives Frodo Sting and the mithril shirt. Then Bilbo sings a sad song to himself about aging and death. The rejuvenated pony Bill is their pack animal. Aragorn bows his head in apparent prayer before setting off (no goodbye kiss with Arwen).
The crebain birds are scouting for them. Frodo senses a mysterious shadow pass over the stars (they are travelling by night). They attempt the pass of Caradhras but are beaten back by cold and snow, and possibly by dark forces. Mighty Caradhras had defeated them. Another brilliant Alan Lee illustration.
